Dressing well in your 50’s

Hitting the milestone of a middle-age marker is no reason to let style fall to the wayside. In fact, it's more of a reason to step up your game and dress sleeker than ever. While you may feel like your body isn't exactly working with you like it used to, there are so many tricks out there for how to dress over 50 and enjoy your sixth decade in style. Confidence levels spike with age, and now that you're well seasoned, let your wardrobe reflect that self-esteem!

1. Choose small prints that work for you

Ladies, a large, bold pattern can unfortunately be your downfall. A smaller print, however, that’s not worn head-to-toe can do wonders for slimming the body and serving as a bold conversation piece.

2. Go for the chicness of a pocket square

Men, you’ve been waiting your whole life to be mature enough to pull of a pocket square. Now that you’re in your 50s, you’ve aged like fine wine and there’s no better time.

3. Leggings are for the gym

Fine, you can wear them around your house, too, but that’s it. Leggings are officially no longer appropriate.

4. Choose subtle branding

Now that you’re in your 50s, you can likely afford better quality stuff. But just because you’re indulging in more well-known, expensive brands, doesn’t mean that you should be flaunting it across your chest. Choose pieces with subtle branding only–as in the form of a small logo rather than a large print word.

5. Keep heels to a minimum

Too-high heels sometimes encourage bad posture behavior. And worse: They can create the illusion of saggy boobs, which let’s face it—no woman in her 50s wants! Instead, keep heels age-appropriate and on the lower side.

6. Embrace your glasses

All four of your eyes may have gotten you made fun of in middle school but now, they’re officially your best, most wise-looking accessory. Because if there’s one thing we should embrace with fashion for women over 50, it’s embracing our natural features, and that includes glasses.

7. Say no to ankle boots

Booties are for teenagers (especially when paired with skirts or dresses). Say no to ankle boots unless it’s with a well-tailored trouser that tapers off at the ankle.

8. Build your tie repertoire

You should have ditched the novelty tie a long time ago but if you’re still only working with a handful of ties, it’s time to step it up. Wool ties, knitted ties, silk ties–all should be staples in your tie collection. Throw a bow tie in there for good measure, too. For more on what makes a suit look good on anyone.

9. Say no to ripped or “distressed” anything

If you’re wondering how to dress over 50, the first step is going to be eliminating any juvenile fashions from your wardrobe. That includes ripped and distressed jeans (or anything else!). Just say no.

10. Be wary of cheap denim

Inexpensive and inherently poorly-made denim is easy to get away with when you’re young and your body tight and firm. But in your 50s, it’s a dead giveaway. Opt for a bootleg jean, which will lengthen your legs and flatter your tummy in the best way possible.